Should I stop guests from browsing?

[echarcha]

Of late I have noticed that more guests browse the forum than registered/logged in members. A little IP address digging showed that many members browse as guests.

Should I stop guests from browsing unless they login? (We have a few forums which require you to login and you cannot search the forums without logging in)

[Charchila]

I don't think it's a good idea to stop guests from browsing. Let them read, who cares. If we force them to register, they will register and not contribute anyway. Besides, if there are any external links to this site... they might not like it because we force the visitors to register.

A couple of suggestions you could consider:

Restrict access to more forums like Soapbox, Sports, Relationships, etc. Let them read Taaza Khabar though

Also, if you could find a hack or figure out how to code it yourself, bombard Guests with ads and pop-ups And mention on every page that there are no pop-ups for registered members, etc.

[echarcha]

Originally Posted by Charchila

I don't think it's a good idea to stop guests from browsing. Let them read, who cares. If we force them to register, they will register and not contribute anyway. Besides, if there are any external links to this site... they might not like it because we force the visitors to register.

A couple of suggestions you could consider:

Restrict access to more forums like Soapbox, Sports, Relationships, etc. Let them read Taaza Khabar though

Also, if you could find a hack or figure out how to code it yourself, bombard Guests with ads and pop-ups And mention on every page that there are no pop-ups for registered members, etc.

Hmm.. good ideas.. Will try to put messages for non-registered users.

Right now if you are in a "Awaiting Email Confirmation" state i.e. you have not clicked the link sent out after your register, then you see a message on the top of every page.

I should do the same for guests too.

[Desi24]

I think Guests should be allowed to browse. A lot of people monitor a forum and figure out if they like it or not before they start participating. I personally did this. I browsed echarcha for almost 6 months before I started posting.

[proeclectic]

Originally Posted by Desi24

I think Guests should be allowed to browse. A lot of people monitor a forum and figure out if they like it or not before they start participating. I personally did this. I browsed echarcha for almost 6 months before I started posting.

I support registration requirement for browsing.

[vakil sahib]

no let guests browse. otherwise you'll find a lot of people registering for one day and then disappearing without posting anything.

[DesiBaba]

Originally Posted by echarcha

Of late I have noticed that more guests browse the forum than registered/logged in members. A little IP address digging showed that many members browse as guests.

Should I stop guests from browsing unless they login? (We have a few forums which require you to login and you cannot search the forums without logging in)

dude, firstly theres a bug in yo system..sometymes when i enter mah userid & pwd to post a reply, it still says i need to log in and redirects me to the log in screen..

secondly, please dont do such a thing..ajeeb zabardasti hai yaar..

[tantric_yogi]

Originally Posted by vakil sahib

no let guests browse. otherwise you'll find a lot of people registering for one day and then disappearing without posting anything.

Vakil Sahib ... they do that anyway.

[tantric_yogi]

Laal Mirchi on main phorum left hand screen ... why bottom? Raise it up above polls. Have to mouse and mouse and mouse to find bottom ... people are companining of pained finger

[Napolean]

Let guests browse...will be good for site...

[echarcha]

Originally Posted by tantric_yogi

Laal Mirchi on main phorum left hand screen ... why bottom? Raise it up above polls. Have to mouse and mouse and mouse to find bottom ... people are companining of pained finger

Kiski ungli mein kya ho rah hain??

Okay will move it above polls

[Cooldude]

I am all in favour of letting guests browse. Those who find the site to their taste can register & start in depth browsing & posting.

By making registering mandatory to view a thread, members won't be able to send links to friends & share topics with them. The option of "Email this page" would be rendered useless.

[rameshp]

i think we should let guests read the posts without logging in. that way we will not drive away future members. let them start as members once they like the forum.

[rationalthinker]

People 'pay' to attract viewers to their sites.
Why do you want to keep curious viewers away?

[Alibaba]

Whats wrong if guests browse?? Let them do that. I happen to know 2/3 people who have done that anyways.. They made ids for themselves to view the lal mirchi forum and haven't logged in since..!! So you can't stop people from doing that anyways. Let people view restricted forums.